No First Trust meeting for Minister

FINANCE Minister Sammy Wilson has not met with First Trust following the bank’s decision to close several branches, including the Limavady Branch.

The Minister had been asked by North Down MLA Gordon Dunne: “what consultation he has had with the First Trust Bank following its decision to close several branches. Mr Wilson replied: “I have not have had any direct contact with the First Trust since it announced in February that it would close a number of branches in Northern Ireland. However, the ETI Minister and I recently met with all the main banks, including the First Trust in December 2012.

“While the focus of these discussions centred on access to finance and business lending, general issues around bank restructuring and its impact were raised. And while I fully recognise the challenges banks are facing as they seek to recapitalise and restructure, I am concerned about the impact branch closures will have on the network in Northern Ireland, staff and the wider community. “I also met with Mr Larry Broderick (General Secretary, Irish Bank Officials Association) earlier this month to discuss the potential impact of branch closures. While, it has to be recognised that these are ultimately commercial decisions, I will be monitoring this situation closely.”